Property listings at all time high

The number of properties listed for sale in Australia recently hit an all time high, new research has found.

According to RP Data findings, total advertised listings are now 24.2 per cent higher than they were at the same time last year.

Within capital cities, listings are 29.1 per cent higher than last year.

But despite the positive news, research analyst Cameron Kusher said there is clear disconnect between the number of properties being brought to the market and the activity amongst buyers, with recent data showing sales volumes were 20 per cent below 10-year average levels during 2010.

In addition, FHB finance commitments currently account for just 15.2 per cent of the owner occupier market are also at their lowest levels since July 2004. The total value of investor finance commitments is at its lowest level since March 2009 and is down -8.3 per cent for the year.

“These two findings are the major contributing factors to the elevated level of listings; evidence suggests that many vendors have brought their property to the market hoping to sell and upgrade.

"The issue is there is not enough active FHB or investors in the market currently to allow them to sell their property,” Mr Kusher said.